A patient with a first-degree relative who had colon cancer before age 60 has what relative risk compared to average?

• A. Similar risk
• B. No risk
• C. Increased risk
• D. Decreased risk

Answer: (C)

Having a first-degree relative with colon cancer raises your risk compared with the general population. When that relative was diagnosed before age 60, it suggests a potential genetic predisposition, which makes the risk increase even more than with later-onset disease. In practical terms, this scenario pushes your relative risk above average, often described as roughly doubled to tripled, rather than remaining similar or lower. This is why the correct description is an increased risk.